Fury withdraws from Ustinov bout for family reasons

Tyson Fury has pulled out of facing Alexander Ustinov in the ring tonight after his uncle and first trainer was taken seriously ill.

The Manchester-born fighter had was initially due to fight Dereck Chisora at Manchester's Phones 4 U Arena this weekend but his opponent was forced to pull out through injury on Monday.

Belarusian Ustinov was brought in as a replacement, however, that heavyweight fight will not take place either now after Fury's uncle, Hughie, was taken to hospital.

A statement from Queensberry Promotions read: "Tyson Fury has withdrawn from his heavyweight contest tonight against Alexander Ustinov after his uncle and first trainer, Hughie, has been taken seriously ill into hospital.

"Tyson's uncle and trainer Peter took the decision to pull him out of the fight rather than risk his health by sending him into the ring with his mind not focused."

Promoter Frank Warren added: "I'm very, very, disappointed for the fans. After Dereck Chisora pulled out because of his hand injury, we worked very hard to secure a world ranked opponent in Ustinov.

"It's sad that his uncle Hughie is in a serious condition and our thoughts are with him.

"The show will still go ahead and as before it's a great card with Billy Joe Saunders, Liam Smith, Terry Flanagan and Jack Catterall and Nathan Brough all in title action. We will be announcing the rescheduled date for Chisora v Fury next week."

Ustinov, who has won all but one of his 30 fights, was helping Chisora prepare for the British showdown and inflicted the broken hand during sparring that forced Warren to search for a replacement opponent.